Durness.org The Past and Present of Durness

From ancient times people from this part of the world have frequently been employed in the armed force

 

Visit Leirinbeg Sango Radar Station

Visit Loch Eriboll for more military connections.

 

There are four distinct ranges in the Cape Wrath sector. 

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1. The Naval Gunfire Support Range covering the whole of the land of Cape Wrath and is used for naval guns to practice shore bombardment. This range is usually used between four and eight times a year.

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2. The Garvie Island Bombing Range is the only one in Europe where live one thousand -pound bombs may be dropped. When this range is active for live bombing the Naval Gunfire Support range is also activated because of the safety circle for live bombs includes part of the mainland. This range is the most used of all the ranges but it may only be used up to fourteen days in any month. Aircraft come from all over Europe to this range. The attack profiles bring the aircraft onto the range seaward at low and medium levels providing realistic training for ground and air crews and the random testing of production bombs in a controlled environment. It takes four years training for a combat ready pilot to drop one thousand pound bombs on Garvie.

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3. Close Air Support Range uses target plots on the mainland close to the shore and live bombing is not allowed. It is normally used three or four times a year for air to ground cannon and rocket firing and inert bombing.

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4. The Torpedo Range is an entirely off shore activity and the land is not affected.

The very highest priority is accorded to range safety and extensive checks are carried out to ensure both land and sea areas are clear before any firing or bombing commences. These checks are controlled from the observation position at Faraid Head. The Royal Navy who have command of the Cape Wrath and Garvie Island Range are eager to maintain good relations with the people of Durness and the importance of this range is regularly expressed.

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Garvie Island Bombing Range is the only one in Europe where live one thousand pound bombs may be dropped and is crucial to the final training of fighter pilots in gaining the experience before being asked to perform in a battle situation. The MoD owns approximately two thousand four hundred and ninety hecta acres. They also own twenty point seven four nine hecta acres of headland within which is located the Range Control Tower facilities on Faraid Head. Administrated by the Office of the Flag Officer for Scotland, Northern England and Northern Ireland, HM Naval Base Clyde, Faslane, Helensburgh. The use of the Range from July 1996 to July 1997 was sixty six days (Garvie) and sixteen days of Naval Gunfire. There must be no more than two hundred bombs and four hundred rockets released in any two month period.

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There are few stories of serious problems although at irregular times in the past there have been complaints about unacceptable intrusion, disturbance and damage. The forming of a liaison group and creation of agreed procedures is an ongoing process of the community and MOD establishing working relationships. A free telephone line to the control is operative when the range is active and complaints have to be made directly. Damage from any military activity to buildings is recorded and inspected and compensation deals made individually. Should noise and vibrations be unacceptable there are four local people with authority to demand the activity is immediately stopped.

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All possible measures are taken to keep interference with the normal everyday activities of people living and working in the area to a minimum and the ranges are only activated on days when noise and vibrations are estimated below certain levels. These levels were ascertained with seismic, geological and noise reverberation level research commissions and with meteorological reports on the day predictions are made as to the likely disturbance. The presence of military activity, which has a long history and is responsible for many disused brick buildings scattered around, brings locally welcomed civilian employment.

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The MoD has an ongoing conservation programme with the aim of monitoring the effect of bombing on the seabirds. Cape Wrath Conservation Group has recently held its sixth Annual Meeting. (July 1997) The aim is to pursue a positive conservation policy, not by getting involved in active conservation management, but by establishing exactly what needs protecting on the site, deciding on a suitable conservation management plan and liaison with the bodies responsible for site management. Ministry of Defence policy states groups of this kind should be established in areas, which are subject to national and international conservation legislation. Cape Wrath contains a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a Special Protection Area for Birds (SPA) under the European Directive  “Birds Directive” and it is vital the MoD are seen to be managing the sector correctly from a wildlife aspect. The Naval Bombardment Range of Cape Wrath and Faraid Head has accordingly a Conservation Management Plan 1996 – 2001.

The use of the location as a live firing range has a mixed effect on the ecology, as military use will almost invariably result in damage. The damage can be inshore shell holes that quickly become colonised by small aquatic life, plants and animals diversifying the habitats in the longer term. There are characteristic factors identified, influencing management including detailed effects of the general marine environment, ownership of the land, visitors and access to the sector. During tupping and lambing seasons, the use of the range is kept to a minimum and for long periods each year there is a total ban on all live firing to coincide with particularly delicate natural cycles. Since 1932, intensive bombardment has not appreciably affected the colonies. Undoubtedly live firing cause damage and the death of some wildlife. Despite the clear inference that such activity does not deplete the quantity or variety of wildlife it will always remain a reason for adverse criticism from those who do not wish the Armed Forces to train onshore.

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The Conservation Group is closely linked to a Wildlife Study Group that conducts a week long annual expedition to the site during the breeding season between May and August called Operation Auk, supplemented by periodic visits throughout the year. The first Operation Auk took place in 1993, however since 1988, Cape Wrath SSSI has been involved in investigations into the effects of the MoD�s bombing activities on nesting seabirds, gathering of site information and bird ringing studies and since 1985 an annual survey by MoD personnel and associated civilians has been carried out at Cape Wrath. There are about twenty volunteers taking part in the Operation AUK from all the branches of the forces and civilians.